The MEng in Computing Science is a five-year integrated Master’s programme that builds upon our four-year BSc in Computing Science by adding a year of advanced postgraduate study. This final year allows you to develop a deeper specialisation in cybersecurity. Designed to offer a smooth progression from undergraduate to postgraduate education, this programme equips you with advanced skills that provide a competitive edge in the job market for this rapidly growing field.
At a glance
What You'll Study
- Stage 1
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Programming (CS 1032) This course will be delivered in two halves. The first half will provide a self-contained introduction to computer programming. It will be accessible to all undergraduates. Students will be exposed to the basic principles of computer programming, e.g. fundamental programming techniques, concepts, algorithms and data structures. The course contains lectures where the principles are systematically developed. As the course does not presuppose knowledge of these principles, we start from basic intuitions. The second half will be particularly of use to those studying Science and Engineering subjects, broadly interpreted, as well as Computing and IT specialists. It will include a gentle introduction to professional issues and security concepts.
Modelling and Problem Solving for Computing (CS 1029) This course will introduce students to techniques that support problem solving and modelling with computers, and concepts and methods that are fundamental to computing science. The techniques and concepts will be illustrated with numerous computing examples.
View detailed information about the Modelling and Problem Solving for Computing course
Web Development (CS 1534) Students will learn to develop modern web applications using a variety of languages and frameworks as part of their degree, and prepare them for whatever they do after graduation. A key focus will be on the integration of HTML with CSS and Javascript with other backing frameworks to develop dynamic applications. The course is open to all undergraduates, and is accessible to those with no previous experience.
Object-Oriented Programming (CS 1527) This course will build on the basic programming skills acquired in the first half-session and equip the students with advanced object oriented programming knowledge, implementation of data structure and algorithms, and basic software engineering techniques. The students will be challenged with more complicated programming problems through a series of continuous assessments.
View detailed information about the Object-Oriented Programming course
Algebra (MA 1006) This course introduces the concepts of complex numbers, matrices and other basic notions of linear algebra over the real and complex numbers. This provides the necessary mathematical background for further study in mathematics, physics, computing science, chemistry and engineering.
30 credits from courses of choice
- Stage 2
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Software Programming (CS2020) This course is concerned with tools and techniques for scalable and dependable software programming. It focusses primarily on the Java programming language and related technologies. The course gives extensive programming practice in Java. It covers in depth features of the language and how best to use them, the execution model of the language, memory management, design principles underpinning the language, and comparisons with other languages. Tools for collaboration, productivity, and versioning will also be discussed.
View detailed information about the Software Programming course
Databases and Data Management (CS2019) Databases are an important part of traditional information systems (offline /online) as well as modern data science pipelines. This course will be of interest to anyone who wishes to learn to design and query databases using major database technologies. The course aims to teach the material using case studies from real-world applications, both in lectures and lab classes.
In addition, the course covers topics including management of different kinds of data such as spatial data and data warehousing. The course provides more hands-on training that develops skills useful in practice.
View detailed information about the Databases and Data Management course
Human Computer Interaction (CS2506) This course looks at why a computer system that interacts with human beings needs to be usable. It covers a set of techniques that allow usability to be taken into account when a system is designed and implemented, and also a set of techniques to assess whether usability has been achieved. Weekly practical sessions allow students to practice these techniques. The assessed coursework (which is normally carried out by groups of students) gives an opportunity to go through the design process for a concrete computer system, with a particular focus on ensuring usability.
View detailed information about the Human Computer Interaction course
Algorithms and Data Structures (CS2522) This course provides the knowledge needed to understand, design and compare algorithms. By the end of the course, a student should be able to create or adapt algorithms to solve problems, determine an algorithm's efficiency, and be able to implement it. The course also introduces the student to a variety of widely used algorithms and algorithm creation techniques, applicable to a range of domains. The course will introduce students to concepts such as pseudo-code and computational complexity, and make use of proof techniques. The practical component of the course will build on and enhance students' programming skills.
View detailed information about the Algorithms and Data Structures course
Plus 60 credit points from courses of choice
- Stage 3
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Artificial Intelligence (CS3033)
The course provides an introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI). It discusses fundamental problems of AI and their computational solution via key concepts.
View detailed information about the Artificial Intelligence course
Operating Systems (CS3026)This course discusses core concepts and architectures of operating systems, in particular the management of processes, memory and storage structures. Students will learn about the scheduling and operation of processes and threads, problems of concurrency and means to avoid race conditions and deadlock situations. The course will discuss virtual memory management, file systems and issues of security and recovery. In weekly practical session, students will gain a deeper understanding of operating system concepts with various programming exercises.
View detailed information about the Operating Systems course
Principles of Software Engineering (CS3028)Students will develop large commercial and industrial software systems as a team-based effort that puts technical quality at centre stage. The module will focus on the early stage of software development, encompassing team building, requirements specification, architectural and detailed design, and software construction. Group work (where each team of students will develop a system selected using a business planning exercise) will guide the software engineering learning process. Teams will be encouraged to have an active, agile approach to problem solving through the guided study, evaluation and integration of practically relevant software engineering concepts, methods, and tools.
View detailed information about the Principles of Software Engineering course
Software Engineering and Professional Practice (CS3528)In this module, which is the follow-up of CS3028, students will focus on the team-based development of a previously specified, designed, and concept-proofed software system. Each team will build their product to industrial-strength quality standards following an agile process and applying the software engineering concepts, methods, and tools introduced in CS3028. The course includes a series of mandatory participatory seminars on professional and management issues in IT and IT projects. Students will be expected to relate their engineering work to these issues.
View detailed information about the Software Engineering and Professional Practice course
Distributed Systems and Security (CS3524)This course discusses core concepts of distributed systems, such as programming with distributed objects, multiple threads of control, multi-tire client-server systems, transactions and concurrency control, distributed transactions and commit protocols, and fault-tolerant systems. The course also discusses aspects of security, such as cryptography, authentication, digital signatures and certificates, SSL etc. Weekly practical sessions cover a set of techniques for the implementation of distributed system concepts such as programming with remote object invocation, thread management and socket communication.
View detailed information about the Distributed Systems and Security course
Plus 30 credits from courses of choice
- Stage 4
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Research Methods (CS4040)
In this course, you will conduct an individual research project into the behaviour of a computing system. You will develop knowledge and understanding of rigorous methods to: explore computing system behaviour; identify questions about behaviour; design experiments to answer those questions; analyse experimental results; and report on the outcomes of your research. You will develop your understanding of research ethics and how this relates to professional behaviour.
Security (CS4028)The course provides a solid foundation in computer and information security. It will cover topics of Information and Risk, Threats and Attacks, Cybersecurity Architecture and Operations, Secure Systems and Products, Cybersecurity Management and Trustworthy Software.Single Honours Computing Project (CS4527)Consists of a supervised project which provides experience of investigating a real problem in computing science, or a computing application/technology. Learners will apply knowledge and skills gained earlier in their degree programme, and seek to go even further. Managing the project and presenting the results obtained are an integral part of the investigation.
View detailed information about the Single Honours Computing Project course
- Stage 5
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Blockchain and Smart Contracts (CS552P)
This course offers an in-depth exploration of Blockchain fundamentals and Smart Contract development. Students will delve into real-world applications within these decentralised frameworks, including with reference to cybersecurity. Through hands-on experience, students will acquire practical skills to innovate within complex, decentralised digital environments, positioning them at the forefront of the Web3 revolution.
View detailed information about the Blockchain and Smart Contracts course
Cybersecurity Fundamentals (CS502L)This course presents the fundamental concepts of Cyber Security, including but not limited to cryptography, network protocols, access control, authentication, security management and web security. This course provides students with the Cyber Security principles for continuing learning and working in the area of Cyber Security.
View detailed information about the Cybersecurity Fundamentals course
Security in Emerging Networks (CS502B)This course will cover emerging technologies in cybersecurity such as Software-defined Networking (SDN), Internet of Things (IoT), and Blockchain. It will deliver the role of emerging technologies in cyberspace, what impact we will have on our legacy system and how we can remain agile and efficient. The course will provide a foundation for identifying the significance of technological advancements and cybersecurity issues, and challenges raised in adapting the 5G & beyond network.
View detailed information about the Security in Emerging Networks course
Enterprise Security Architecture (CS502C)A major contributing factor to cyber risk is the lack of well-designed cybersecurity architecture that protects against ever-evolving cyber-attacks. A well-designed architecture provides a streamlined workflow for security and non-security practitioners, along with increasing the robustness of an organisation’s cybersecurity. In this course you will gain the advance knowledge to develop, design and analyse security solution architectures to meet your organisation's cybersecurity objectives.
View detailed information about the Enterprise Security Architecture course
Security Analytics with Artificial Intelligence (CS502M)This course provides an introduction to the analysis of cybersecurity data. It will show how to use tools and methods from data science and machine learning to perform such analysis. Broader issues at the interface of security and privacy with AI will be discussed.
View detailed information about the Security Analytics with Artificial Intelligence course
Informatics Project (CS551M)Consists of a supervised project that provides experience of investigating a real problem in computing science, or a computing application/technology. Presenting the results obtained is an integral part of the investigation.
View detailed information about the Informatics Project course
How You'll Study
Course delivery is by means of lectures, seminars and small group tutorials. On specific courses, these will be supplemented by external speakers.
Learning Methods
Assessment Methods
Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods:
- Coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course.
- Practical assessments of the skills and competencies they learn on the course.
- Written examinations at the end of each course.
The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, years of study and individual courses.
Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.
Why Study Computing Science (Cybersecurity)
- Gain practical skills in penetration testing, ethical hacking, and forensic security key to supporting Qatar’s focus on cybersecurity as a national priority under the Qatar National Cybersecurity Strategy and Qatar Vision 2030.
- Develop expertise in securing systems related to IoT, 5G networks, cloud computing, autonomous vehicles, and industrial control systems technologies central to Qatar’s economic diversification and smart city initiatives.
- Train using enterprise-grade cybersecurity tools in a purpose-built lab, allowing safe exploration of threats and responses—preparing you to defend the digital backbone of Qatar’s evolving economy.
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Learn from a world renowned Computing Science department with active research in AI for cybersecurity, secure software, and data privacy and strong track record in industry collaboration.
- Equip yourself with the knowledge to tackle emerging threats and ensure data protection and compliance, helping Qatar build local talent and reduce dependency on international cybersecurity expertise.
Academic Requirements
- Qatar Public Schools: 70% or above in the Thanawiyah.
- British Schools: 5 passes at C or above in IGCSE and 2 passes at C or above in AS.
- American Schools: Minimum cumulative 2.3 High School GPA.
- International Baccalaureate – IB: Complete International Baccalaureate with a minimum of 26 points, including 3 subjects at 4,3,3 at HL.
- Diplomas and International transfer: There will be advance standing opportunities for suitably qualified applicants. We would expect such applicants to have successfully completed either a minimum of two years of an equivalent degree, or hold a relevant diploma from international institutions and in Qatar.
English Language Requirements
If the most recent academic qualification not taught in English, we may also ask applicants to supply us with evidence of English proficiency by providing a minimum overall IELTS Academic score of 5.5 with a minimum of 5.0 in each section Or equivalent.
Documents Required
- High School Certificate
- High School Transcript
- Attestation letter from the Equivalency Department at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education – Qatar
- NOC from Military Service (Male Qataris only)
- Diploma certificate (Transfer applicants only)
- Diploma transcript (Transfer applicants only)
- CV (Transfer applicants only)
- Copy of QID
Fees
- The tuition fee for entry in September is 89,000 QR per year, and 105,000 QR for the 5th year.
- Tuition fees are fixed at the point of entry so there is no annual increase for returning students.
- Flexible payment methods are available.